587: The Truth About Aging with Stephen Kritchevsky
Sep 27, 2023
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Dr. Stephen Kritchevsky joins this week's podcast to help us separate the signal from the noise of longevity practices. Topics include aging research using animal models, the effects of caloric restriction on aging, complexity of diet and health impacts, role of dietary patterns in muscle health, and tips for improving hip mobility.
Animal models provide valuable insights into anti-aging interventions and the underlying mechanisms of aging.
Improving health span is essential, as extending lifespan without maintaining good health can lead to increased disability.
Deep dives
The Promise and Dangers of Longevity Interventions
Long Jevity is gaining popularity, with tech millionaires investing in various unconventional treatments for anti-aging. While some of these interventions may be useless, others could potentially be harmful. However, there is ongoing research on interventions that could slow down the aging process and improve health span. Animal models have identified pathways that, when manipulated, can extend lifespan. Some interventions being studied include caloric restriction and the use of compounds like rapamycin and metformin. However, caution is needed as unscrupulous individuals are taking advantage of the excitement around the field, making false claims about anti-aging treatments.
The Connection Between Health Span and Lifespan
Health span and lifespan are related but distinct concepts. Health span refers to the quality of years lived, while lifespan refers to the total duration of life. Research shows that increasing health span is crucial. However, studies have shown that while lifespan has been increasing, the additional years are often associated with disability. Animal models have demonstrated that lifespan extension is often connected to health span extension. Therefore, it is important to focus on interventions that can improve both health span and lifespan.
The Importance of Animal Models in Longevity Research
Animal models play a crucial role in longevity research. They allow researchers to manipulate variables and understand the underlying mechanisms that contribute to aging. While animal models may not perfectly mirror human conditions, many fundamental processes and metabolic pathways are conserved across species. This makes animal models a valuable tool for exploring potential anti-aging interventions. However, it is important to recognize the limitations of animal models and ensure that findings are carefully evaluated before translating them into human applications.
Diet, Caloric Restriction, and Muscle Health
Diet plays a significant role in overall health and longevity. While there is no single magic formula, a well-balanced diet with a focus on unrefined carbohydrates, vegetables, fruits, and an appropriate intake of protein is generally beneficial. Caloric restriction and intermittent fasting have shown potential benefits in animal models, although their effects on humans are still being studied. Additionally, maintaining muscle mass is crucial for healthy aging. Adequate protein intake, spread throughout the day, can help support muscle health and prevent age-related muscle loss.
Longevity is having a moment on social media right now with Silicon Valley paying teenage boys to have blood transfusions, experimental peptide injections, and all the predictable skin lasers and fillers. Most of these experiments will be useless, some will be harmful, but perhaps a few will actually work. Dr. Stephen Krichevsky joins this week’s podcast to help us separate the signal from the noise.
Listen and learn:
What we can learn about aging from yeast, worms, fruit flies, and mice
Does starving yourself really extend your life?
What about NMN and rapamycin?
Why stable weight might be more important than being thin as you age
Dr. Stephen Kritchevsky has published more than 450 peer-reviewed papers and serves as the director of Older Americans Independence Center (OAIC) and co-directs the Sticht Center for Healthy Aging and Alzheimer’s Prevention. He is a contributor to the ABC study and the LIFE Trial.